April 30, 2017
[27:22] Mike Raffety, DTM, PID is very active on both the Official Toastmasters Facebook page and LinkedIn group answering many Toastmasters related questions. So we reached out to Mike in Chicago and asked him to give us his take on the Toastmasters Club Myths in the Toastmasters International April 2017 Leader Letter as well as a few other club, contest and speech myths he covered in a 2015 blog post at MikeRaffety.com. Even experienced Toastmasters may be surprised about some things many thought to be true, are simply not.
April 1, 2017
[07:08] In this episode Greg tells the story of the origin of April Fool's Day. Greg was recently the Toastmaster of the Day at his home club, New Entrepreneurs and the theme was April Fool's Day. After researching the topic, Greg perhaps over-prepared his opening remarks and although a little lengthy, they were well received by the members.
As a result, when Greg went home, he expanded on what he had said and wrote an article that was published at Troy Media. Then he decided to make a podcast of the article which is what you'll hear. Enjoy.
March 19, 2017
[29:15] In this episode we speak with Naomi Takeuchi, DTM, PDG, President and CEO 1000 Cranes, LLC. Naomi shares with us some of her Toastmaster travel adventures, visiting and speaking at clubs around the world and offering some insight, tips and encouragement to check out clubs, conferences or even have lunch and connect with other Toastmasters at their travel destinations.
Naomi is a consultant to non-profits and leadership development trainer who recently moved from Charlotte, North Carolina to Santa Rosa, California. She travels extensively for both personal travel and business and over the years visiting places like Australia, Canada, China, India, UK, Qatar and also New Zealand, where she is now also a dual member, creating an international network of colleagues and friends through Toastmasters. In fact, the title of this episode is inspired by her contribution, “Your International Network Awaits!” in the book Heart of a Toastmaster (page 51), an anthology of stories curated by Sheryl Roush.
February 28, 2017
[08:03] As Toastmasters we often use USB sticks with other people's computers or often they use ours. No surprise, there is always a threat of viruses and other nasties. The truth is some are impossible to detect or eradicate while the conmputer is active. This is where FixMeStick comes in. Created in Montreal, Canada, it's a self-propelled virus removal system that runs from a thumb drive independant of your PCs or Mac's OS. It's a must have for all computer users. Listen to hear more.
January 31, 2017
[19:26] Toastcaster Podcast is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. In this episode Greg grabs the mic and takes an impromptu journey back a decade to its humble beginnings starting from the pilot episode featuring then District 42 Governor Mona Cooley, DTM.
What started as an idea in 2006 for an HPL (High Performance Leadership) project has blossomed into 77 episodes, almost 200K downloads and 1.5M feed hits and counting.
You'll hear how Toastcaster was conceived and get highlights from a number of the episodes and some of the people Greg has interviewed.
Greg will also share what he's learned from this process and how it's changed him and how he now looks at podcasting.
A huge thanks to all those that helped make it happen and for all the listeners for tuning in.
Happy Birthday Toastcaster Podcast
December 4, 2016
[27:41] In this episode we speak with Glenda Sheard, DTM, Social Media Manager for District 99. While not an official Toastmasters position, her role is a critical component in attracting new members and engaging existing ones as this medium has gained widespread use. Glenda, a newly minted DTM enthusiastically shares how Social Media impacts districts and clubs and all Toastmasters, enlightening us on the importance of her role and how it works; how Districts can benefit from having a Social Media Manager and using Social Media along with some tips, tricks and examples how D99 uses these resources and how others can use them too.
Glenda Sheard DTM is a speaker, facilitator, presenter and fundraiser and lives in Sherwood Park, Alberta.
October 31, 2016
[26:51] We accumulate all kinds of digital stuff but Visual Productivity expert and regular guest Kevin Achtzener tells us once and awhile we need to do a content audit. Even though content is King as some say and drive space is cheap these days, we need to review our digital clutter. Perhaps it's outdated, no longer relevant or represents who we are. And as Toastmasters as we progress, some of the old content no longer reflects our skill level. Kevin shares his experience and gives us tips and tricks as to what you can do with your content for yourself and your Toastmasters Club. You may be amazed that sometimes you can re-purpose it rather than delete it.
September 29, 2016
[19:15] In this episode we speak to Toastmasters International Immediate Past President Jim Kokocki, DTM, from New Brunswick, Canada. We learn a little about his Toastmasters journey including his year as President, an insight on leadership and maybe a sneak peek at his Keynote and Plenary session he'll be presenting at the inaugural Fall Conference for the newly created District 99 to be held in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. Oct 21-22, 2016. If you are interested in attending, check out the D99tm.org Fall 2016 Conference Page.
September 16, 2016
[31:05] Robert Lavigne, The Digital Grapevine, Digital Strategist and Podcaster moved from Toronto, Ontario Canada 99 km to Brantford, birthplace of the telephone and legendary #99 Wayne Gretzky.
What started as an exercise in brand building and a series of individual topics in Robert’s new hometown became a humbling learning experience of 100 podcasts, 100 conversations over 2 years that weaved together stories that transformed him and helped bring their community closer together. Robert shares his experience and also how the series concluded with an interview with a man who represents community - Walter Gretzky, affectionately known as "Canada's Hockey Dad," father of #99 and Lord Mayor of Brantford. The City of Brantford recently recognized Robert for all his efforts.
August 19, 2016
[42:40] This episode we learn about the Art of Competing with Russ Dantu, 6x District Speech Contest winner & 2015 WCPS Finalist and Lance Miller, 9x District winner and 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking. Lance coached Russ for last year's event. You'll hear them share that experience, competing tips and give us a glimpse of The Art of Competing, their new and already popular CD, which can be found at LanceMillerSpeaks.com or RussDantu.com.
July 21, 2016
[27:32] Russ Dantu, District 42, Calgary, Canada continues his journey to the World Championship of Public Speaking semi-final and then on to the finals in Las Vegas. He takes us through his experience after winning at District and on to the finals and all his exciting trials and tribulations along the way. This is a continuation of Episode 57.
July 9, 2016
[22:26] Rick Lauber is the Best Selling Author of Caregiver's Guide for Canadians, The Successful Caregiver’s Guide (USA) and a contributor in two Chicken Soup for the Soul books. A former Toastmaster with New Entrepreneurs in Edmonton Canada, Rick shares why he joined Toastmasters, how it helped him and how it can help budding authors. He also offers a few tips on using your Toastmaster skills to help promote your book. Rick can be reached at RickLauber.com.
June 27, 2016
[29:22] George Marshall , DTM is the author of TmTools - Tools for Toastmasters, a series of tools to help Toastmasters at any level - Member, Club, Area, Division or District to truly get the information that they need in the sea of Toastmasters data.
TmTools do not replace, but rather extend information and reports we currently use - and they are constantly being improved and expanded. TmTools often give people that "I didn't know I could get that infomation," look on their faces.
George is a member of a member of three clubs: his home club (Star Search), an advanced club, and online club Netizens. He's the Producer, Toastmaster Time, D57’s TV show, District 57’s Statistician and a Revitalized Education Program Ambassador.
June 13, 2016
[27:46] Ummo App is your personalized speech coach & crutch-word finder developed at Harvard University. Greg speaks with two of its developers from Dehli, India and the Bay Area in California, Anshul Bhagi and Sam Li who tell us what the app's about; how they developed it and how IBM's Watson plays a role. They also tell us how you can use it to analyze and improve your speaking skills and share how Boston Toastmasters have been involved and what the future has in store for the app.
May 30, 2016
[07:13] Smartphones & Tablets have 10x the bacteria of your toilet seat. Whoosh! Dragon's Den approved is a cool product that not only cleans, it disinfects and safe enough to spray in your mouth. In this episode, Greg puts Whoosh! to the test. You can also read the review at CanoeTech Blog. (Photos courtesy Whoosh!)
May 14, 2016
[07:43] The Toastmaster Magazine is a valuable resource both in print and tablet versions. In this episode Greg gives us a little reminder as to why it's a good idea to check out either or both on a regular basis and let you in on a secret as to how the Official Toastmasters Podcast and on occasion Toastcaster get subjects for podcast interviews.
March 29, 2016
[09:08] Finding a decent affordable Lavalier Mic is not always the easiest thing. This episode, Greg puts on his Gadget Guy hat and looks at iRig Mic Lav by IK Multimedia and why its a good idea to use one to record all your speeches and presentations. You can read the full review at Canoe Tech Blog.
February 15, 2016
[27:44] Greg speaks with Lance Miller 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking as he shares his insights about Cam Newton's defeated attitude during a post Super Bowl 50 media interview. Lance reflects on lessons learned, dealing with defeat and adversity taking a page from his own life both in business and journey to the World Championship. Read the Post at LanceMillerSpeaks.com
November 20, 2015
[15:17] Record 360 can help protect you from damage you didn't do. I interviewed CEO and Co-Founder Shane Skinner about their app and realised that this is very relevant to the Toastmasters audience since some of us rent vehicles or places to stay when we head to conferences and conventions. It also relevant at home and at work. Enjoy the interview. When you're done, head to Record360.com where you can find out more, link to your favourite app store to download the app.
November 2, 2015
[20:29] Entrepreneur Rana Varma from Calgary, Alberta Canada credits Toastmasters as key in helping him win a $10,000 prize for a new product pitch at a recent health competition. He tells us about his pitch, his new invention the Slate Scale and how skills he learned in Toastmasters helped make all the difference.
July 19, 2015
[11:24] Greg speaks with Russ Dantu of Calgary, Alberta Canada and winner of the District 42 International Speech Contest, as he shares his experience in preparation for the road to Las Vegas for the 2015 World Championship of Public Speaking semi-final a possibly the finals at the Toastmasters International Convention. (Photo credit: Rhys Davies)
June 21, 2015
It's no secret that Vocal Variety can certainly enhance a speech or presentation. In this episode Greg proves that song lyrics can in fact be used to illustrate it. He uses Spanish Train, by Chris de Burgh, one of his favourite artists to do so. In fact this was speech #6 from the Toastmasters Competent Communicator Manual. If you wonder why he had to prove it, you'll need to listen to find out. (09:31) [Chris de Burgh is also famous for many other great songs, including: Lady in Red, High on Emotion, Don't Pay the Ferryman & more. I encourage you to check out his website]
August 20, 2014
[10:30] Legendary broadcaster Red Robinson introduced The Beatles at their first ever Canadian concert, Aug 22, 1964 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Host Greg Gazin, had an opportunity to recently speak with Red, who recounted the events of that day - and which might be a surprise to some and talked about an upcoming 50th Anniversary concert to commemorate that day. Full article: The Day the Beatles Shook Vancouver at Troy Media.
in 2004, Greg was managing a Beatles Tribute band and approached Red to ask him to emcee the 40th anniversary event in Vancouver. As a newer Toastmaster with knocking knees, he persevered.
Photo is actually a painting of Red holding the concert poster. (They're available as a limited edition. Artist is Glen Green, designer of Canada's Olympic Coins). Visit RedRobinson.com for more details.
August 16, 2014
Whether you are a Toastmaster or simply a traveler, there's always a need for technology on the road to make the trip so much better. Here are a few Gadgets & Tech Tools and a few things to think about before heading out on the road this summer. You can also read the full article at Canoe Tech Blog.
January 2, 2014
Crutch words can hinder our communication and even make us appear unprepared or not confident. Here's a way to recognize them and help keep yourself from using them. Listen to our podcast and if you like, you can also read the article at Troy Media.
August 5, 2013
When you play Golf, chances are that you will use more than just a putter. So why is that businesses sometimes have only one message? Same goes for communicators. Some deliver the same speech regardless as to who the audience is. Sadly the results are not always as you think. LIsten to our podcast and if you like, you can also read the article at Troy Media.
November 29, 2011
Accepting Credit Card Payments for small businesses and non-profits like Toastmasters Clubs can be an expensive proposition. Regina-based Netsecure Technologies have created Kudos - mobile payment system that offers a low-cost, no hassle, easy-to-use solution to this problem and a first of its kind in Canada.(Also available in the US). Listen to my interview with Netsecure's President Dan McCann and find out how you can use Kudos for your club or other business.
December 25, 2010
Told by Donna Smith, ACB, CL, it's an entertaining and inspiring tale in the form of a familiar holiday poem, that captures the true spirit of Toastmasters and its founder, Ralph Smedley. It also follows the events that unfold as a Toastmaster prepares for the Icebreaker speech. She did receive credit for the Advanced Manual - Storytelling.
Donna also speaks with Greg and shares her thoughts that went in to this presentation and how Toastmasters has helped her catch her second wind. What a nice way to end on year and begin the next. Donna is with Morning Challengers a club from Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada.
February 24, 2010
Recording your presentations is always a good idea, but if you don't know where your mic is, especially on a device like the iPhone, you could be in for a big surprise. Listen to a short lesson that Toastcaster Greg, aka The Gadget Guy took home from this experience. You can also access Greg's Gadget column at Gadgetguy.ca and also Canoe Tech Blogs at Canoe.ca EAVB_DCJGOYLTGC
August 17, 2009
Recorded live from the 2009 Toastmasters International Convention. We introduce the Official Toastmasters Podcast by interviewing co-hosts Bo Bennett & Ryan Levesque formerly of Talking Toastmasters. They share with us what to expect from the new podcast and how will it will differ from their previous incarnation.
They'll also talk about a couple of episodes they've already done, including their take on SpeakEasy -the forthcoming documentary on Public Speaking and stories emanating from this year's Convention here in Mashantucket, CT. Be sure to tune in - it'll be loads of fun and quite a few laughs too as Bo & Ryan do their thing and also poke fun at yours truly, Greg Gazin.
